Expert?? The jury is out on that one, Alexis!!
Athens can take lots of time to appreciate, so be sure to not rush the city itself. From the Acropolis to a night out at a rembetika club, to the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Agora, Lykavittos Hill, and Cape Sounion at sunset...
For a small excursion outside the city, I think the island idea is feasible. The Saronic Gulf islands are the closest group to Athens, and in a place like Aegina you can see the well-preserved Doric 'Temple of Aphaia' if you're into ancient sites, and finish your evening with some grilled octopus and ouzo in Aegina Town. The beaches aren't the best here, but if you only wanted to lie on a beach you might be better off on the mainland, just south of Glyfada.
If spending time on a ferry and dealing with schedules is not your idea of a good time, from busy Athens you should head to the beautiful Venetian city of Nafplio in the Peloponnese. You'll find narrow streets with old Venetian houses and mansions beneath the Palamidi Citadel. Nafplio is a great base for you to see Ancient Mycenae and the Theatre of Epidavros (a World Heritage Site). The Hellenic Festival is held there until the end of August, but I think the performances are only on Fridays and Saturdays.
I feel I've only repeated what was posted by Alexis, but they are likely the best options. Of course, one could always go to ancient Delphi and consult the oracle about what next to do!
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